Dolphin Disease Spreads

John MittyMonday, November 11, 2013

Over the summer, many tourists and residents on Long Island’s beaches noticed that dolphins were washing up dead in huge numbers. Researchers have identified the cause as a virus called Cetacean morbillivirus, which is similar to measles. It is believed that this same virus caused a mass die-off of dolphins and whales in the late 80s. The death toll for dolphins found dead on Long Island from the disease this summer is around 400.

The death count for the dolphins now totals 753, including those that washed up on Long Island and elsewhere. The virus is also spreading, with whales washing up dead as far south as Florida. This is now the worst outbreak of the disease ever recorded. Two different species of whales are now identified as infected, including humpback and pygmy whales. This is alarming to scientists, because the virus is usually rare in whales, but appears to be spreading to new populations. It is also very difficult to treat diseases in whales and dolphins. “There is no vaccine that can be deployed for a large bottlenose dolphin population or any cetacean species,” explains Terri Rowles, a member of the NOAA Fishers Marine Mammal Stranding Response Program. As of right now, scientists have their hands tied; there is nothing they can do to stop the spread of the disease.

According to researchers, most human beings are in no danger from the virus, however, if a person with a weak immune system comes into direct contact with an infected dolphin, that person may be susceptible. If you see a beached dolphin or whale, do not touch the animal. This will prevent you from endangering yourself, or hurting the animal. Immediately contact 1-877-WhaleHelp so that a marine biology expert can come to the scene to safely provide medical assistance to the animal.

Press releases are John's expertise and he scours the web trying to find the most recent press release updates on what's happening on Long Island. If you have a press release that you'd like to share please send it to jmitty@longislandyellowpages.com.